The complication which has become almost synonymous with  is the annual calendar chronograph. One of the most recent variants of this popular line, the 5960/01G, was introduced in 2017 (with a blue dial), more than 20 years after the invention of the complication by Patek Philippe. Highly practical in its design and complexity, it is considered by many as the perfect everyday Patek Philippe, with useful functions displayed in a clearly arranged dial layout, and a very wearable amorphous case.

The Annual Calendar Chronograph

In 1996, Patek Philippe released the world’s first annual calendar wristwatch, the reference 5035. It was developed to show relevant information about the day, whilst also providing a more accessible price point for a calendar complication, compared to the brand’s . The complication has been in Patek’s catalogue ever since.

The reference 5960/01G's annual calendar mechanism only requires adjustment once a year in February, as it accounts for the long and short months throughout the year. The day, date and month are located within the three apertures displayed at the top of the dial, in a clear and legible manner. All these can be individually adjusted, using the correctors on the left side of the case.

Furthermore, the 5960/01G comes equipped with a flyback chronograph function, concealing much of the information within the six o’clock subsidiary dial; you will find the sixty-minute counter enclosed within the twelve-hour monocounter on the outside. It has a shorter minute counter in the form of a red pointer, distinguishing it from the longer hour indicator in white. Within this sub-dial, there is also a small circular aperture, serving as a day/night indicator.

The 40.5mm white gold case has a strong presence, yet maintains elegant styling. Featuring round pump pushers and fluid lugs, the case is typical of Patek Philippe’s contemporary watchmaking style, with smooth, bevel-free lines. In contrast, the chronograph pushers feature a guilloché pattern, reminiscent of Patek Philippe's reference 1463 'Tasti Tondi' - albeit with a contemporary twist. The dial is grained and blue varnished, in a similar style to the , with applied indexes marked with square luminous dots at the end. The matching leaf-shaped hands are also luminous filled.

The Movement

The 5960/01G is powered by Patek Philippe’s CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H calibre – the first in-house automatic chronograph movement by the brand, . It features 40 jewels, a vertical clutch flyback column-wheel chronograph, power-reserve indicator, annual calendar day/night display and unidirectional 21k rotor. This piece bears the Patek Philippe seal, found on movements produced after 2009. The movement is beautifully finished, with exquisite chamfering on all angles, polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping.

The Set

This Patek Philippe ref. 5960/01G-001 comes as full-set, with its original box, Certificate of Origin, leather wallet and setting pin.

It comes on one of our light grey saffiano  straps, and is also accompanied by its original Patek Philippe calf leather strap and 18-carat white gold clevis prong buckle.

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